Cockfighting is a centuries-old contest in which two or more gamecocks are pitted against each other in a fight to the death. These roosters have been specially bred to produce the strongest and most vicious specimens. Before a bout, the birds' legs are fitted with razor-sharp steel blades or with gaffs, which resemble three-inch long curved ice picks. These artificial spurs are designed to slice, puncture and mutilate. Matches can last up to an hour. More gore, more glory. The purpose of this blood sport is strictly entertainment for the spectators. They gamble. They brag. They cheer. It is barbaric. And still legal in Louisiana.
It has largely been ignored, what with more pressing news this week (including Queen Elizabeth's visit to the U.S. to drink mint juleps and throw down a few bucks at the Kentucky Derby) that President Bush signed a bill this past Thursday adopting stronger penalties (i.e. felony) on the blood sports of cockfighting and dog fighting. I s'pose his veto pen was out of ink. Violations of this new federal law could bring up to three years in jail and/or up to a $25,000 fine for perpetrators. Not nearly harsh enough.
It has largely been ignored, what with more pressing news this week (including Queen Elizabeth's visit to the U.S. to drink mint juleps and throw down a few bucks at the Kentucky Derby) that President Bush signed a bill this past Thursday adopting stronger penalties (i.e. felony) on the blood sports of cockfighting and dog fighting. I s'pose his veto pen was out of ink. Violations of this new federal law could bring up to three years in jail and/or up to a $25,000 fine for perpetrators. Not nearly harsh enough.
1 comment:
Thanks for the head's up, I had no idea that we'd banned cock(dog)fighting...I blame it on the Queen.
Have you read Willeford's Cockfighter?
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